Lin'an Never Night

Chapter 552 Happy Events Are Coming

The three-day holiday ended with Yang Yuan working day and night.

Early the next morning after his holiday, Yang Yuan changed into his official uniform with the help of Alihu and Xiao Aita, and went to Lin'an Prefecture.

When he was ordered to go on a diplomatic mission to the Kingdom of Jin, he was temporarily given the title of Hanlin Bachelor, but it was revoked when he returned.

He is still the Tongpan of Lin'an Prefecture, and the fourth-ranked person in Lin'an Prefecture.

But who would only regard him as the fourth in command of Lin'an Prefecture?
As the year draws to a close, the new year is changed, and the two Jins and Goryeo send envoys to write to the emperor...

For all of this, Lin'an Prefecture had a lot of coordination work to do, and every official was very busy.

Especially Mr. Qiao Zhen, who is very particular about doing things and doing things perfectly and has almost achieved a "spotless body", is extremely busy.

But this morning, all the officials, no matter how many urgent matters they had on hand, were waiting in the government office.

Because Yang Yuan came back today.

The ox cart stopped steadily in front of the government office. Liu Dazhuang, who had been "unemployed" for half a year, jumped off the cart swiftly and put the pedal in place.

Yang Yuan lifted the curtain of the sedan chair and walked out of the carriage.

After Yang Yuan got off the carriage, Liu Dazhuang put away the pedals and trotted after him, then walked into the gate of the government office with his chest puffed out and his belly sticking out.

During the time when Yang Yuan was on a diplomatic mission to the Kingdom of Jin, the servant introduced to him by Mother Liu had nothing to do.

However, as the future mistress of the Yang family, Lu Xi still gave him a monthly allowance and allowed him to stay in the Yang Mansion at ordinary times.

When Yang Yuan walked into the gate of Lin'an Prefecture, the clerks, clerks, and bailiffs who were coming and going stepped aside when they saw him, bowed respectfully, and greeted him warmly with an attitude that was indescribably warm.

Yang Yuan nodded to them one by one and went straight to the capital hall.

When he came back, he naturally went to the capital office first to meet the official in charge of the government.

He didn't want to wait until he arrived at the East Hall, but found that all the officials from the Censorate were waiting there.

From Prefect Qiao down, all the Tongpans, all the judges, the prosecutors, the six departments...

As soon as they saw Yang Yuan, all the officials smiled and bowed to welcome him.

While Yang Yuan was away from Lin'an, Wang Zirui, who was transferred from the local area to temporarily take over his position, even held Yang Yuan's hand with great enthusiasm.

Zhang Mi wanted to alienate the relationship between Wang Zirui and Yang Yuan, but as some of Yang Yuan's achievements were revealed, it became impossible.

No one in Lin'an Prefecture would be naive enough to believe that Yang Yuan would stay in Lin'an Prefecture for too long.

This temple is too small to accommodate the great god Yang Yuan.

Therefore, Master Qiao Zhen, the abbot of this small temple, was particularly happy, even happier than when his wife Tian Tian gave birth to another big fat boy for him.

When Yang Yuan was about to leave, everyone stopped competing for interests and instead became each other's connections. This is a very interesting kind of interpersonal relationship.

Among all people, perhaps only Zhang Mi had complicated feelings.

He still hates Yang Yuan and will not let go of his grudge just because Yang Yuan leaves.

Because Yang Yuan destroyed his reputation, he couldn't get rid of the nickname "Butt Touching Hand".

But at this moment he had a feeling that he no longer had the qualifications to be hostile to others.

A few days ago, he was still confidently planning to take action against the Yang family.

He thought that he could fulfill his long-cherished wish and take ultimate revenge on Yang Yuan before the Lantern Festival.

At that time, he will rest his head on the moon, look at the moon with his eyes, hold the cup in his hand, and feel proud. How happy that will be.

But his thoughts at this moment were not clear at all, and he felt very depressed.

Yang Yuan is back, Yang Yuan just came back, he hasn't done anything yet, all his tricks are useless.

This made Zhang Mi hate Yang Yuan even more because of his own incompetence.

After some pleasantries, Yang Yuan was warmly welcomed into the lobby by the crowd.

This scene gives people a vague feeling of déjà vu.

I remember that when Yang Yuan first took office, Mr. Qiao held a "grand yamen" as a welcoming ceremony to welcome Yang Yuan.

That scene, how similar is it to what is happening right now?
That day, how many days apart is it from today?

But even at that "grand meeting", the assistant officials of Lin'an Prefecture did not arrive in as many numbers as today.

Everyone knew that Yang Yuan was going to be promoted, but things that had not been announced by the higher-ups were not suitable to be mentioned publicly in such a grand occasion.

Therefore, all the colleagues just tacitly congratulated Yang Yuan on his triumphant return and expressed their longing for him during his absence from the government office.

Those who don’t know would think that Yang Yuan is very popular in the Lin’an government office.

This kind of humanistic clamor lasted for half an hour, and then all the officials dispersed one by one. Qiao Zhen invited four judges, including Yang Yuan, to move to the second hall, served tea, and continued chatting.

Master Qiao said to Yang Yuan with a smile: "Yang Jianzhou, now it is almost the end of the year. In addition to the New Year's Day celebrations, the court also has the ceremony of the emperor changing the reign title and the ceremony of establishing diplomatic relations with foreign envoys. There are many details involving our Lin'an Prefecture, which are extremely complicated and cumbersome.

Previously, Wang Jianzhou was temporarily taking over your duties and handling related matters. If the handover is made hastily now, this government is worried that many things may not be handled clearly in a hurry, which may inevitably delay important matters of the court.

Therefore, I think that Wang Jianzhou can continue to perform Yang Jianzhou's duties and handle the various matters that he has already taken over.

How about you two do the handover after the three major ceremonies are over?"

Yang Yuan said: “The three major ceremonies are all very important to the court.

If anything goes wrong in Lin'an Prefecture because of me, none of us will have a good New Year.

Your Excellency is a mature and prudent man. This arrangement is the most appropriate. I fully agree with it."

After that, Yang Yuan stood up, bowed to Wang Zirui with a smile, and said, "But I'm sorry to trouble Wang Jianzhou."

Wang Zirui quickly stood up and returned the greeting, smiling: "No, no, we are all serving the court."

Qiao Zhen added: “In order to prepare for the three great ceremonies, our Lin’an Prefecture needs to do a lot of things.

This inevitably involves communication and coordination with other government offices, such as the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Works, and the Honglu Temple.

During this period of time, I will trouble Yang Jianzhou to be in charge of contacting these government offices. Is this okay, Yang Jianzhou?"

Yang Yuan smiled knowingly. Old Qiao was still the same. He had made a plan that was flawless. Old Qiao was really good at dealing with people.

First of all, all the officials in Lin'an Prefecture were satisfied with Qiao Zhen's arrangement.

Because even those who have no vested interest in Yang Yuan would not want to replace an official who is in charge of many affairs at this time.

Everyone is already extremely busy, and who has the time to waste on various handovers, reports and communications with the new responsible officials?

Yang Yuan would also be very satisfied with this arrangement. He would be leaving Lin'an Prefecture soon, and there was no need for him to take over many details at this time. There would be no point in doing them well. If there was any mistake, it would tarnish his promotion.

Moreover, such an arrangement would not only satisfy everyone, but would also be beneficial to the official business of Lin'an Prefecture.

A favorite of the emperor who has made great contributions and is about to be promoted, but no one knows where he will be promoted to or what position he will hold. When he represents Lin'an Prefecture in communicating and cooperating with other government offices, who would not give him some face?

Yang Yuan bowed and smiled, "I will follow your orders."

Zhang Mi smiled, held the teacup tightly, and took a sip of hot tea.

He felt the muscles in his cheeks were stiff from smiling.

From the beginning to the end, he was just a guest. He gritted his teeth and wanted to send Yang Yuan, who had made him infamous, to hell.

However, when Yang Yuan really appeared in front of him, he could do nothing and even had to put on a smile for Yang Yuan, but Yang Yuan didn't even look at him seriously.

This made Zhang Mi feel particularly humiliated.

At this time, a yamen runner hurried into the second hall. When he saw that several superiors of the yamen were there, he quickly stopped, clasped his fists and bowed, saying, "Prefect Qiao, there's a fire at the Xingzai Huiziwu!"

"what?"

Qiao Zhen was shocked. Before he could stand up, Zhang Mi had already jumped up and asked in shock, "Is the fire serious? Has it been put out?"

The Song Dynasty is now reforming its paper currency. The court has learned from some of the problems in the previous issuance of paper currency and has formulated and improved some new systems. The manufacturing of Jiaozi has also undergone technological upgrades, and a new paper currency, Huizi, has begun to be promoted.

Gradually, they will cancel Jiaozi and replace it with Huizi.

Huizi not only has the function of paper money, but also has the function of check and bill of exchange.

For this purpose, the Song Dynasty has changed the "Xingzai Jiaoziwu" to "Xingzai Huiziwu".

The "Hui Zi Wu" was issued by the Ministry of Revenue, and Lin'an Prefecture was responsible for its daily management. In Lin'an Prefecture, the person in charge of this business was Zhang Mi, who took advantage of Yang Yuan's diplomatic mission to the north and no one opposed him, and finally got a good job.

However, something went wrong with the "Hui Zi Wu", and it happened at the critical moment of the three major ceremonies of the court. Zhang Mi's face turned pale with nervousness.

The yamen runner bowed and replied, "The Huizi Office only sent someone to deliver this news. The specific situation of the fire is still unknown."

Qiao Zhen frowned and comforted Zhang Mi, "Zhang Jianzhou, you are just too concerned. Even if we find out the extent of the fire, what will it matter?

You don't have to panic, just go to Huiziwu and see if there are any problems, so that they can be solved in time. I will arrange things here as soon as possible and then rush to meet you."

I believe you!
Zhang Mi sneered in his heart, you old sly guy, as long as the matter with "Hui Zi Wu" is not resolved, it will be strange if you can explain clearly the things on hand.

Zhang Mi looked around in panic and saw Liu Yiguan sitting calmly. No matter what, this matter had nothing to do with him.

Wang Zirui had a stern face and turned to pick up the teacup.

Zhang Mi hesitated for a moment. Wang Zirui had only been in office for a little over a month.

Lin'an Prefecture had no original plan to arrange a temporary official for Yang Yuan. Wouldn't it be enough for other officials to take over his duties while he was on a diplomatic mission to the northern country?
Later, because it was uncertain when he would be able to come back, or even whether he could come back, Wang Zirui was promoted from the local area to temporarily take over his position.

It's not easy to blame him for this, it's easy to shirk responsibility.

An idea flashed through Zhang Mi's mind, and he grabbed Yang Yuan's wrist.

Zhang Mi said, "Yang Jianzhou, you are in charge of the fire affairs of Lin'an Prefecture. Now that the Huiziwu has been damaged, please go with me to deal with the aftermath, so as to prevent the situation from getting worse."

Liu Yiguan and Wang Zirui both looked strange after hearing this. Was this the way to shift the blame so abruptly?

Although Wang Zirui despised Zhang Mi's character, but... it is better for me to let my friend die than for me to die, so he tactfully lowered his head and drank his tea, as if he didn't hear it.

Qiao Zhen picked up the teacup earlier than him, but the movement of raising the cup to her lips was abnormally slow, like a sloth.

Yang Yuan looked at Zhang Mi deeply and said with a smile, "Okay, Yang will go with Zhang Jianzhou."

As soon as Yang Yuan finished speaking, Qiao Zhen's movements switched from sloth to "lightning".

He took a sip of tea, put down the teacup, and said solemnly: "The first priority for you two is to control the fire and try to recover the losses.

Secondly, Huiziwu is an important economic base of the imperial court. You must be extra careful and do not let important materials be lost in the chaos!"

Yang Yuan clasped his fists and said, "I understand. We will go right away."

At that moment, Yang Yuan and Zhang Mi hurriedly left the capital.

Yang Yuan also couldn't ride his ox cart which was stylish but too slow.

"Xingzai Huiziwu" is located near Jijiaqiao, not far from the "Moshanghua" embroidery workshop, but it is still some distance from Lin'an Prefecture.

So they sent someone to bring a few horses, took a few officials and followers, and hurried to the "Xingzai Huiziwu".

……

Luxi and Dan Niang went to Zhejiang Ferry Terminal and arranged a batch of goods to be sent to the merchant ship bound for Shangjing, the capital of the Jin Dynasty. They had just returned to Houshi Street.

Although Fei Yuye was fully responsible for these military aid supplies, the procurement of many of the supplies was done through the trade channels that Song Luxi was in charge of.

The two returned to Qingshi Lane, got off the car at the entrance of the lane, walked slowly into the lane, and immediately found that there were many people gathered in front of the Song Family Flavor Building.

Lu Xi's heart suddenly tightened, worried that something had happened at home, so she immediately lifted her skirt and hurried over.

Song Luxi and Dan Niang ran to the door of Fengwei Tower, and Dan Niang said, "Neighbors, please make way. What happened in Fengwei Tower?"

When the onlookers saw that it was Song Luxi who came back, they immediately reported the news to her in a flurry.

"Luxi, His Royal Highness Prince Jin has arrived at your house."

"Yes, yes, go back and take a look."

Song Luxi couldn't help but feel very surprised when he heard this.

Zhao Qu had been to Fengweilou several times, and each time he came in plain clothes and never in a big way.

But there was a grand ceremonial procession parked on one side of the door. Why did His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin reveal his identity this time?
Lu Xi took Dan Niang's hand and said, "Let's go back and take a look."

As soon as the two girls stepped onto the stairs, Old Man Song came out from Fengwei Building to greet them upon hearing the sound.

The old man walked so briskly that it seemed as if his limp was no longer there.

He hurried to Luxi and said excitedly: "Luxi, you are now the eldest princess of our Song Dynasty!"

"Ah?" Lu Xi looked at his father with a silly face, his eyes full of confusion.

She understood every word her father said, so why couldn't she understand what he said when they were put together?

At this time, the Goose King Zhao Que walked out of Fengwei Building leisurely with his hands behind his back.

When Zhao Yu saw Lu Xi standing in front of him, he greeted her with a smile: "Sister Yu, you are back. I have been waiting for you for a long time."

Lu Xi was surprised and asked, "My king, who... who is the royal sister?"

Zhao Yu clapped his hands and laughed heartily.

"Blame me, blame me. I didn't make it clear."

Zhao Hu glanced at the people watching below the steps and raised his voice, saying, "The emperor recognizes Song Luxi as his sworn sister, and conferred the title of Princess on her, and bestowed the name of Yongning on her."

After Zhao Yu finished speaking, he smiled at Lu Xi and said, "Sister, go in and receive the imperial decree. Tomorrow morning, remember to go to the palace to express your gratitude."

Luxi was stunned. Princess...what a distant and vague title.

At this moment, Luxi felt a particularly unreal and dreamy feeling in his heart.

She did it as she thought. She pinched Dan Niang, causing her to scream in pain.

What kind of figure was Song Laoshi on the battlefield? He didn't even blink an eye when faced with thousands of soldiers and horses. Such a figure, facing such a situation, was still so excited, not to mention that Luxi was just a simple little cook not long ago.

The people around were in an uproar when they heard this, and then they all bowed and saluted: "I greet Princess Yongning!"

……

At the same time, Liu Mama's home in Taipingfang also welcomed a distinguished guest, and many neighbors also gathered in front of Liu's door.

The guest was a person in charge of the Ministry of Rites. He told Liu's mother that the marriage between Yang Yuan and Song Luxi would be arranged by the government, with the Minister of Rites Qu Mo as the matchmaker and the Prince of Jin as the matchmaker for the bride. Liu's mother was the matchmaker for the groom.

Next, the Ministry of Rites will formulate a series of ritual procedures for the wedding, and many things will require her participation.

From now on, this official from the Ministry of Rites will be responsible for contacting her. Today, I came to her house to inform her of the matter and to get to know her.

When Mother Liu heard this, she immediately started shaking all over.

Three matchmakers, three matchmakers!

One matchmaker was the Minister of Rites, one was His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin, and the other was actually her mother Liu.

Her mother Liu is going to stand shoulder to shoulder with a prince and a minister.

A blind chicken caught a big caterpillar. How lucky I am!

Mother Liu respectfully saw the head of the Ministry of Rites off, dignifiedly dealt with the curious inquiries of the neighbors, and then calmly returned home.

She closed the yard door, closed the door of her room, walked into the bedroom, buried her head in the quilt, and burst into laughter.

No wonder that during the Qingming Festival this year, when I followed my husband to visit my father-in-law’s grave, a flood accidentally occurred and all the weeds on the grave were burned away.

It turned out that the old man was telling them that the Liu family was having a great celebration that was so great that even smoke rising from their ancestral graves could not express it.

In the evening, Chen Sanshou, the third manager of Xiaoshan Nanfeng Mansion, visited Liu Mama's house.

He placed the generous gifts he had brought on the table and explained to Mother Liu that his master had asked her to propose marriage to Liu Wanrong.

Chen Sanshou said proudly: "This is a small amount of tea money. After the matter is completed, my master will naturally give a big gift to thank the matchmaker."

Mother Liu glanced at the gift and said, "I am very happy that Mr. Nanshan trusts me. However, when to come to propose marriage depends on my schedule, not your decision."

Mother Liu picked up the tea bowl, picked up the tea leaves, and sighed softly, "I will go to the Prince of Jin's Mansion in the next few days to discuss the rules of Yang Zhuangyuan's wedding with His Royal Highness the Prince of Jin.

I still have to go to the Ministry of Rites to discuss the details of the wedding with Minister Qu, so I really can’t get away.”

Mother Liu raised her eyelids, then wiped them gently, and said lightly: "Wait, maybe after New Year's Day."

(End of this chapter)